Gun safety device

ABSTRACT

In combination with the barrel of a gun, a gun safety device comprising a chamber with a obstructing object therein, the said chamber being constructed in such a manner so as to allow the movement of the obstructing object into the path of a projectile traveling in the gun barrel when the barrel of the gun is in any position but approximately horizontal.

United States Patent Kratt [451 I2e c 5, 1972 GUN SAFETY DEVICE 1,303,887 5/1919 Greco ..42/l R Inventor: J. Studler E i ,Tul ,Okl .74136 m ngham sa a I Pnmary Exammer-Bemannn A. Borchelt [22] Filed: Aug. 7, 1970 Assistant Examiner-C. T. Jordan Att0rney--R. E. Zlmmerman 52 C [57] ABSTRACT E In combination with the barrel of a gun, a gun safety 58] Field s R 70 G 89/14 D device comprising a chamber with a obstructing object 89/14 4 4 264g; therein, the said chamber being constructed in such a manner so as to allow the movement of the obstructing object into the path of a projectile traveling in the [56] References Cited gun barrel when the barrel of the gun is in any posi- UNTTED STATES PATENTS tion but approximately horizontal.

Benet...., 89/ 14 E 3 Clains, 5 Drawing Figures msms'm 51972 INVENTOR. HENRY J. KRATT BY I mm, R4...)

ATTORNEY GUN SAFETY DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many accidents have occurred because of the accidental shooting of a gun when the gun is aimed at a person, animal or unexpected objects causing serious injury to anything in its path of travel.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a safety device for preventing the travel of a projectile when gun is accidentally fired.

Another object of this invention is to prevent the discharging of a projectile from the barrel of a gun when the gun is in any position other than approximately horizontal.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view showing the safety device installed in the forward end of a gun barrel with the obstructing object in the path of the projectile travelling through the barrel.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view showing the safety device installed in the forward end of a gun barrel with the projectile in an impact position with the obstructing object in the safety device chamber.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing the safety device installed in the forward end of the barrel with the obstructing object blocking the projectile exit port of the safety device.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view showing the safety device installed in the forward end of the gun barrel with the projectile in an impacted position with the obstructing object blocking the projectile exit port of the safety device.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the safety device installed in the forward end of the gun barrel showing the obstructing object in a resting position in the well of the safety device chamber with the projectile leaving the gun.

For a complete understanding of the nature and objects of this invention, reference should be made to the detailed description in connection with the cross sectional drawings of the invention.

Reference is made to FIG. 1 which shows the safety device 1 attached to the muzzle end 8 of a gun barrel 2. The safety device 1 can be manufactured from metal or from a plastic material. Such metal or plastic can be a material suitable for molding when quantity production is desired. The safety device 1 is of general cylindrical configuration with a circular opening 6 in front to provide an exit means for the projectile 9. The lower section of the safety device 1 is slightly bowed to form a well 4 in which the obstructing object 5 or any other suitable moveable object rests when the gun barrel 2 is approximately a horizontal position (See FIG. 5). In the position shown in FIG. 1, gun barrel 2 is pointing in an upward direction which causes the obstructing object 5 to slide down and position itself over the gun barrel opening. In the preferred embodiment the obstructing object 5 is a steel ball; however, the substitution of any moveable object in the chamber of the safety device 1 for the steel ball would be considered within the purview of this invention. The top rear side of the safety device 1 is slotted so as to provide easy mounting over the gun sight 3. Baffle 7 which extends between the cylindrical walls of safety device 1 prevents the ob- ?i r oj ectl e 9 lll e t ii gti ii iilil 1i a gp r diiii i t gl y horizontal position.

Reference is made to FIG. 2 which shows the projectile 9 in an impact position with the obstructing object 5 as it enters the safety device 1. This action brings the projectile 9 to rest in the chamber of the safety device 1 Reference is made to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1 except that it shows the obstructing object 5 in posi tion against the projectile exit port 6 of the safety device 1. The obstructing object 5 takes this position when the gun barrel 2 is in a lowered position toward the ground.

Reference is made to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 2 except that it illustrates the impact of projectile 9 on obstructing object 5 in the safety device 1 when the gun is accidentily fired in a downwardly position.

Reference is made to FIG. 5 which shows the safety device 1 in a horizontal firing position. The safety device 1 is shown afiixed to the end of the gun barrel 2, obstructing means 5 is shown at rest in the well 4, baffle plate 7 is shown approximately in the center of the cylindrical structure extending between the cylindrical wall of the safety device 1. Baffle 7 positioned in such a manner so as to allow projectile 9 to pass through the exit port 6 in the forward part of safety device 1. Baffle 7 prevents the obstructing object 5 from interfering with the passage of projectile 9.

I It will, of course, be understood that various details of construction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention, and it is, therefore, not the purpose to limit the patent granted herein otherwise than necessitated by the disclosure.

I claim:

I. In combination with a gun, a safety device, the said safety device having a cylindrical configuration to form an enclosure for the muzzle of the said gun, the said enclosure having exit means in the outer end of the said enclosure for the passage of a projectile, the said enclosure having a well in the lower section where the said well provides a resting place for an obstructing object, a baffle plate extending between cylindrical walls of the said enclosure, the said obstructing object being the means for stopping the passage of a projectile from the safety device.

2. The safety device as claimed in claim 1 where the said safety device has a slotted section in the upper section to enable mounting of the said safety device over a gun sight on the forward end of a gun barrel.

3. The safety device as claimed in claim 1 where the said obstructing object is a steel ball. 

1. In combination with a gun, a safety device, the said safety device having a cylindrical configuration to form an enclosure for the muzzle of the said gun, the said enclosure having exit means in the outer end of the said enclosure for the passage of a projectile, the said enclosure having a well in the lower section where the said well provides a resting place for an obstructing object, a baffle plate extending between cylindrical walls of the said enclosure, the said obstructing object being the means for stopping the passage of a projectile from the safety device.
 2. The safety device as claimed in claim 1 where the said safety device has a slotted section in the upper section to enable mounting of the said safety device over a gun sight on the forward end of a gun barrel.
 3. The safety device as claimed in claim 1 where the said obstructing object is a steel ball. 